Residential Relocation Networkhttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com
For All Your Charlotte Residential Relocation NeedsTue, 05 May 2020 16:47:47 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-Residential-Relocation-Logo-nowords-32x32.pngResidential Relocation Networkhttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com
3232The Literal Root Cause of your Foundation Problems!https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/the-literal-root-cause-of-your-foundation-problems/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/the-literal-root-cause-of-your-foundation-problems/#respondMon, 01 Jun 2020 00:01:00 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7873To find the cause of the problem,
sometimes we need to look at every angle. But other times, like when it comes
to foundation issues, you may need to dig deep and see what’s underneath.

Like humans, plants and trees are
living creatures, meaning they need nutrients to survive like we do. They get
their nutrients and hydration by absorbing them with their roots. To sustain
itself properly, the roots spread out underground, moving the soil and pushing
it into whatever is on the other side—including your home’s foundation.

This can cause settling issues,
which also leads to cracks in your foundation and walls, especially if you have
crawl spaces and basements. When you see cracks, it’s best to call a
professional to investigate.

Remember that cutting down the tree is not always the answer. Professionals at Sherrill Structural Repair will help find alternative solutions to keep your home safe and problem-free. 980-250-2711

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/the-literal-root-cause-of-your-foundation-problems/feed/04 Common Distractions that are Tanking your Productivityhttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/4-common-distractions-that-are-tanking-your-productivity/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/4-common-distractions-that-are-tanking-your-productivity/#respondTue, 05 May 2020 16:47:46 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7921We all know the feeling: You’re working away, making good progress, when suddenly your phone buzzes. Next thing you know, it’s been forty-five minutes and you’ve forgotten what you were doing in the first place. Little distractions like these are common in any workplace, but if you let them pull you away from your work, your productivity will suffer. Here are four common workplace distractions, and tips for how to prevent them from interrupting you when you’re on a roll.

Email — Despite being essential to most professional jobs, email can be a massive hindrance to productivity. If you treat every new email as top priority, you’re relinquishing control over your to-do list to anybody who has your email address. Instead, turn off email notifications and schedule specific times to check your inbox.

Smartphones — Between social media notifications, apps, and phone calls, your smartphone can be an endless distraction if you let it. Consider disabling push notifications for as many of your apps as possible, or even putting your phone on “do not disturb” or airplane mode while you’re focusing on a specific task.

Noise — Some people could work through a hurricane, while others struggle to compose a complete sentence with someone else’s conversation or music in their ears. If you’re the latter, grab some noise-cancelling headphones or use a white noise generator to give your brain the peace and quiet it needs to work.

A messy workspace — Nothing can derail a productive streak like losing an important piece of paper or spilling your coffee all over a report. Try spending a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day straightening up your workspace to ensure that you can find what you need, when you need it.

Studies have shown that in a single eight-hour workday, the average worker is only actually working for about three hours. The other five hours are lost to reading the news, checking social media, chatting with coworkers, and a half dozen other non-work activities. By eliminating some of these distractions, you could effectively double your productive hours and still have two hours to take short breaks, catch up on the news, and make sure you’re not missing anything on Instagram!

Remember, we’re always here to answer your questions and help you take advantage of new opportunities! Feel free to call or email me if there’s anything I can do to help.SallyJane.Busk@SupremeLending.com

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/4-common-distractions-that-are-tanking-your-productivity/feed/0What If It’s So Hot Even Your Walls Are Sweating?https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/what-if-its-so-hot-even-your-walls-are-sweating/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/what-if-its-so-hot-even-your-walls-are-sweating/#respondFri, 01 May 2020 00:01:00 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7868There
are three things that we usually don’t like: sweaty armpits, sweaty cheese, and
sweaty walls. The first two we can probably tolerate, but if you notice
condensation gathering on your walls, it’s best to call an expert.

Sweaty
walls can damage your home more than you think. Because of the heat and
humidity, the walls tend to gather condensation, making them look sweaty. But
just as we lose fat when we sweat, your home can actually lose its strong
foundation. The water can be breaking down the wood studs in your walls and
weakening the structure of your home.

Additionally,
mold and pests love to party in nasty places like sweaty walls. So if you
actually want to throw a party, make sure you don’t give these unwanted guests
the opportunity to breed inside your house.

So if you’re having trouble with sweaty walls or if you have any questions, remember to give us a call and we’ll answer them all! 980-250-2711

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/what-if-its-so-hot-even-your-walls-are-sweating/feed/0How to Turn Around an Unproductive Dayhttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/how-to-turn-around-an-unproductive-day/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/how-to-turn-around-an-unproductive-day/#respondMon, 06 Apr 2020 20:27:19 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7911You know those times when you leap into your workday with both feet, knock out a ton of important tasks early, and coast into quitting time knowing you just had an amazingly productive day? Unfortunately, not every day can be like that. For every highly productive day, there’s a day where you can’t seem to focus, or something derails your plans. On those days, it can be easy to just give up. After all, if you couldn’t focus in the morning, what makes you think you’ll be able to focus in the afternoon? But before you write off the remaining hours on the clock, try some of these tactics to reset your brain and recover some productivity.

· Switch gears. Have you been trying (and failing) to write emails? Are you struggling to get through a boring technical task? Try switching to a to-do that uses a different set of skills. This feels like a fresh start, and gives you a new opportunity to be productive.

· Take a minute. Sometimes we all need breaks! Humans aren’t robots, and we’re not designed to operate at maximum efficiency for eight straight hours, five days a week. Try taking a walk, having a snack, or doing some stretches. Then, approach your work again in ten or twenty minutes, when you feel refreshed.

· Set a mini goal. Sometimes the guilt and frustration over an unproductive morning can weigh you down and make it even harder to get back on track. Try assigning yourself a quick, achievable task, so you can give yourself a small victory. Sometimes that win can be the beginning of an upward curve. And even if it’s the only thing you achieve that day, at least you can end on a positive note.

· Identify what’s stopping you. Why haven’t you been productive so far? Are you caught up in social media? Stash your phone in a drawer, or put it on airplane mode. Too many workplace interruptions? Shut your door, put up a “do not disturb” sign — whatever it takes to signal that you need a few hours to yourself. Identify the obstacle, and then take steps to eliminate it.

It stinks to lose the morning to distraction or putting out fires, but it doesn’t need to ruin your whole day! If you can identify when your workday is going off the rails, taking these easy steps gives you the chance to correct it.

Wishing you a productive and successful month! Feel free to call or email me if there’s anything I can do to help.– Sally-Jane Busk with Supreme Lending, 704-609-8600

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/how-to-turn-around-an-unproductive-day/feed/0Basement Flooding is no April Fool’s Joke! Here’s How to Handle it Properly.https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/basement-flooding-is-no-april-fools-joke-heres-how-to-handle-it-properly/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/basement-flooding-is-no-april-fools-joke-heres-how-to-handle-it-properly/#respondWed, 01 Apr 2020 00:01:00 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7863Jokes
and pranks are perfect for April Fool’s, but when it comes to your flooded
basement, you shouldn’t clown around. You don’t want to swim in a pool of
problems, do you? Here’s how to properly handle your flooded basement:

1. Do Not Enter: Whoa there! The water is
dangerous! Even if you turn off the electricity, it’s best to call an
electrician and SSR to help you.

2. Remove the Water (if less than 2 feet):
The sooner you can get rid of the water, the better. Make sure to use tools,
such as towels, instead of electric fans. Sump pumps are also great tools, so
make sure to check if yours is still in good condition.

3. Remove Any and All Wet Item: Remove
things like carpet, rugs, furniture, etc and let them dry out properly.

4. Now You Can Use Electrical Tools: Once
you get rid of the water and remove the wet items, you can start using
electrical tools like blowers, dehumidifiers and fans as long as they can be
placed safely.

If you need help with your flooded
basement, SSR is always one call away. 980-250-2711

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/basement-flooding-is-no-april-fools-joke-heres-how-to-handle-it-properly/feed/0“WIRED” VS “WIRELESS”https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/wired-vs-wireless/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/wired-vs-wireless/#respondThu, 05 Mar 2020 18:57:07 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7900The last few years I have been told by multiple clients that they would like to upgrade their systems to the new “wireless” technology because it is better and more up to date. I have also been asked ‘why are we not putting in wireless speakers’ instead of the ‘old wired technology’?

Let me first say that wireless technology has come a very long way over the last 10 years. There was a time when most of us in the Low Voltage industry were scared of wireless; however, we seem to be pass that fear. In fact, we use it in many situations as our GO-TO installation. Currently, I use wireless in the event it is too expensive to run wire, if it is not possible to get wire in place or, if the wire in place was cut somehow. So my saying on wireless technology goes something like this: I use wireless technology as a secondary option to wired technology only.

In the speaker world people have gotten so used to their little blue tooth carry around speakers that they think this is where the “NEW” technology has gone. The main thing I find people are missing is that there is a power issue that needs to be solved. Meaning each speaker needs to have power. For instance Sonos and Heos make great “wireless” speaker solutions; however, each of their speakers have to be plugged into an outlet for power. So is this really “wireless”? Not in my definition of wireless. When we install in wall or in ceiling speakers the power comes from the receiver that is installed to control them versus an outlet.

With alarm devices they require batteries. Most of these batteries have long lasting lives, however, they still have to be changed regularly. We also have to be concerned with interference. I have installed wireless devices in five and six thousand square foot houses that continued to lose signal due to distance and interference. They make repeaters for this, however, it is still more ideal to have each device wired if it can be done.

In the end as stated I am not afraid of using wireless devices, I have just found that using wire when capable is still the better option.

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/wired-vs-wireless/feed/0REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR SPRING CLEANINGhttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/revolutionize-your-spring-cleaning/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/revolutionize-your-spring-cleaning/#respondThu, 05 Mar 2020 18:51:05 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7896It may be cliché, but spring is when people deep-clean their homes for a reason! Combine warmer weather with that fresh start, new-year-on-the-calendar feeling, and everyone is itching to spruce up their living quarters. But in order for spring cleaning to really be effective, it needs to go beyond your average house cleaning weekend. If you can spring clean properly, you won’t just have a clean, organized house this spring — you’ll have set yourself up for a clean, organized year.

There are dozens of tips and hacks for cleaning each specific thing, but in order to get the most out of your spring cleaning, it’s important to lay down some ground rules up front to guide your choices. Follow these tips and get inspired by experts like Marie Kondo in the popular Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.”

Tackle the annual tasks. There are plenty of cleaning tasks that homeowners only need to worry about once a year: Things like getting your carpets shampooed, washing your pillows and duvet, and cleaning windows and screens. By making spring the designated time for these tasks, you can ensure they get done annually like they should.

Be decisive. In every home, there are items that stick around year-to-year because they’re too much to deal with on any given day. But spring cleaning is the time to make those decisions you’ve been putting off. Are you ever going to use those empty planters in the garage? Do you really need to keep all your kids’ old toys in those boxes in the attic? Isn’t it time to repaint that room? There’s no time like the present!

Invest in the year ahead. By investing time, money, or both, you have the chance to improve the coming year with your actions now. Make repairs that you’ve been putting off; replace appliances or furniture that are no longer doing their job; replace all your bulbs with LEDs once and for all. These kinds of changes may be pricey now, but you’ll reap their rewards with financial savings on your utilities and repair costs in the coming months.

Form good habits. The better your cleaning habits throughout the year, the easier your spring cleaning will be in 2020. Once you’ve completed this year’s deep clean, make a checklist broken out into weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks — and then stick with it!

Spring cleaning can be daunting. After all, it’s your entire home we’re talking about! But with the right spring cleaning mindset, you can take the time now to prepare your home and yourself for a spectacular year.

Financing a home purchase, or refinancing for a lower rate or improvements? Please text, email, or call us at Supreme Lending. Have a great day!

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/revolutionize-your-spring-cleaning/feed/0Don’t Have a Knack for Cracks: Call a Professional for That!https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/dont-have-a-knack-for-cracks-call-a-professional-for-that/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/dont-have-a-knack-for-cracks-call-a-professional-for-that/#respondSun, 01 Mar 2020 00:01:00 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7857When
we trust something, we expect it to not let us down. The same goes for your
house’s foundation. But how can you know when it’s time to call an expert? Here
are different signs you should look out for:

1. Uneven Floors: This may not always be
noticeable to you, but maybe a ball can help you. Try rolling a ball across the
floor and if it rolls to the same corner every time, chances are your
foundation is settling and becoming uneven.

2. Sagging Floors: Have you ever felt like
you’re going to fall through the floor, like your floors are sinking in? That’s
never a good sign. If anything, it’s a sign that your house has foundation
issues.

3. Hairline
Cracks: You probably don’t pay any attention to the small cracks in your
wall(s), especially if they only look like a strand of hair. But cracks are
actually caused when your foundation settles under the weight of your home and
another part doesn’t.

4. Sticky Windows and Doors: Sticky doors
and windows are incredibly annoying, but it also means that your foundation is
sinking unevenly.

5. Porch Doesn’t Appear Attached as it Used
to: Is it just you or does the porch look like it’s sticking out from your
home?

If you’re not sure if you have a problem, don’t call your neighbor for a second opinion. Call SSR and we’ll help you out! 980-250-2711

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/dont-have-a-knack-for-cracks-call-a-professional-for-that/feed/0Water Pressurehttps://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/water-pressure/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/water-pressure/#respondFri, 07 Feb 2020 17:30:40 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7853One of the tough things that happens in our business is when the area gets extended, torrential rain. Creeks and ponds fill up quickly, and can cause serious issues. Making this more serious, those same rains hit the mountains, with that water flowing downhill/downstream to the Piedmont.

Hurricane Florence in 2018 showed us how much water Mother Nature can bring us in a weekend. Michael two months later brought even more. As my previous blog mentioned, after events like yesterday’s enormous “rave-up” of violent, thunderstorms and tornadoes, plus 3-6 inches of rain (depending where you live), it is important that you take stock of your property’s strengths and weaknesses.

What we saw in 2018 was the 18” of rain from Florence weakened trees, and Michael took many more of those down a month later. After so much rain and wind, it is vital to assess your property now for signs of Water Damage. Here are some key areas to look for:

Attic. Look through your attic for signs of water damage (stains, the seams of the floor, and any wet insulation). If you find wet spots or damage, go to the area directly below. Also check windows and fans for any signs of failure.

Living areas. Check window and door frames. You may need to replace the caulk. Check areas around the windows for any damage. Wet, smelly carpet, etc. Mold is very dangerous, and insurance policies limit coverage in most cases.

Crawl space. A water barrier is key to keeping your crawl space dry. About six months before Florence, I added gravel and additional tarps to my crawl space. I am so glad I did. Many houses on my street had theirs flood with a foot of water. Mine luckily stayed bone dry.

Outside. Know how flooding rainwater flows around your house. Water that flows under decks can get in your house, especially if it’s built on a slab. If you have issues, contact a landscaper. French Drains are good ways to capture and redirect water flow away from your house.

Trees. Give your trees some attention to determine if you have issues, and if you have some dead ones, remove them.

Water can do a lot of damage to your home, even and especially after you see the water “event”. Take the time to assess and evaluate. I highly recommend Todd at Bigg Time Carpet Cleaners for carpet and floor needs.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly. If you live in a flood zone, you already likely have flood insurance. If you are close……..get a quote. Flood Insurance bought today takes effect no sooner than 30 days from now. It’s tough having to tell customers that the storm hitting tomorrow won’t be covered even if they buy a flood policy today. Those are issued by the government, and that is their rule.

Your home protects you daily from the elements. Assessing your property today can help prevent or minimize issues in the future.

]]>https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/water-pressure/feed/0Is it cold and flu season or does your home have mold?https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/is-it-cold-and-flu-season-or-does-your-home-have-mold/
https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/is-it-cold-and-flu-season-or-does-your-home-have-mold/#respondTue, 04 Feb 2020 08:47:00 +0000https://residentialrelocationnetwork.com/?p=7787At Sherrill Structural Repair we often add a little humor in our writing and like to keep things lighthearted, but when it comes to your health and your family’s health it’s no laughing matter when mold invades the home.

We’ve all heard that mold can be dangerous for humans to breathe in, especially long term-but how do we know when we have mold? In general, many humans start with allergy or cold-like symptoms. Yup, sniffling, coughing, sneezing long term could be a sign of mold in your home. Children, elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk to show signs of mold effects within the home. If you suspect mold due to similar symptoms over a long period of time, visit a doctor immediately.

Additionally, if you think that you have already spotted the well known fuzz of mold, one easy test is to apply a couple drops of bleach. If it turns white then you have mold, if not then it is most likely something else.

Have questions or need professional mold removal and repair? Call Sherrill Structural Repair today at 980-250-2711.